Naruto: Zanka No Tachi

After six years, Shinigami's power had returned to its peak, its size the same as when it first appeared.

However, further growth was difficult; it had reached a plateau.

Shinigami's terrifying appearance and chilling aura sent shivers down everyone's spines, except Yusuke's.

What is that demon? It seems more terrifying than Ido,

everyone thought.

Since they were in a genjutsu, everyone was in a soul state. Though their spiritual power wasn't strong enough to see Shinigami in reality, they could see it here.

They knew Yusuke had summoned Shinigami; though afraid, they knew it was an ally.

"Ichi, control your aura. You're scaring everyone,"

Yusuke said, displeased, seeing Shinigami's overwhelming presence.

For convenience, Yusuke called Shinigami "Ichi."

Shinigami's expression changed; it smiled obsequiously, retracting its Yin Release chakra. The chilling aura vanished.

Everyone's respect for Yusuke deepened into awe and reverence. Naruto, Sasuke, and Yota, still childish, dreamed of having such a powerful summoned creature.

Kurenai and Enri, skilled in genjutsu, sensed Shinigami's immense Yin Release chakra and were awed by Yusuke's ability to control it.

"Ichi, see that guy who looks like you? A gift."

Shinigami saw the trembling Ido and its eyes gleamed; it looked hungry.

Shinigami sensed Ido's pure spiritual power. Devouring Ido would break its plateau.

Ido, once arrogant, cowered like prey.

Shinigami roared, lunging at Ido.

Ido tried to escape but was quickly caught by Shinigami's translucent claw and dragged towards it.

To Ido's desperate screams and everyone's horror, Shinigami devoured him.

Shinigami changed. It grew to eight meters tall; black markings appeared on its white hair, and it gained a grotesque mask identical to Ido's.

Shinigami's spiritual power increased, and it gained Ido's power to materialize its illusions! It could now harm both souls and bodies.

Yusuke nodded, pleased with the unexpected outcome.

Helping others pays off! Yusuke thought.

He released the Summoning Jutsu and Genjutsu. Shinigami vanished; the genjutsu dispelled, returning them to Yakumo's room.

With Ido gone, Kurenai's erased body part regenerated. She hugged the weeping Yakumo, offering comfort and support.

They noticed Yakumo's dark paintings blurring, like oil being washed away, transforming into beautiful, heartwarming scenes.

The painting of the fire depicted Yakumo's family celebrating a festival.

The painting of Kurenai with a sword through her heart showed Kurenai smiling and hugging Yakumo, mirroring the present scene.

Everyone understood Yakumo's true heart—she longed for light and beauty.

Ido had covered her paintings with darkness, obscuring her true desires.

"Kurenai-sensei, thank you. Thank you all. Without you, I wouldn't know how sinful I was and might have made more mistakes!"

Kurenai comforted Yakumo, blaming herself for her inability to help sooner.

"Do you still want to be a ninja?"

Yusuke asked, looking at the embracing Kurenai and Yakumo.

Yakumo looked up at Yusuke, wiping her tears.

"After this, I won't pursue being a ninja. I'll be a painter, creating heartwarming works."

Though she said this, Yusuke saw a flicker of reluctance in her eyes. She still longed to be a ninja but saw no hope.

"I've wanted a disciple to inherit my power, but until yesterday, I hadn't found a suitable candidate."

Everyone was surprised. They understood Yusuke's meaning.

"You mean Yakumo can be your disciple?"

Kurenai, overjoyed, looked at Yusuke incredulously. She was happier about this than about learning powerful jutsu.

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